1988 Type I Counter Clash CCLTI-1C-1988-04

Description

Preserved in the Rock Hasenberg collection, CCLTI-1C-1988-04 on the 1988 Lincoln Memorial cent presents the simplest counter clash scenario among the four cataloged for this date: a dual-event reverse die clash producing a single counterclashed column on the reverse. The obverse is notably clean, showing no abrasion or clash marks — a condition that strongly suggests the original obverse die was removed and replaced with a fresh die after the clashing events occurred, leaving the counterclashed reverse die paired with an unmarked obverse. This die replacement inference is significant because it reveals the Mint's response hierarchy: when dies clashed, the facility might replace one die while leaving the other in service, particularly if the remaining die's clash evidence was considered minor enough to pass quality control. With only two clash events visible and a single counterclashed column, this specimen represents the minimum threshold of counter clash formation — one clash to create the initial transferred image and a second clash to transfer that image back, producing the characteristic "clash of a clash" that defines the counter clash variety class. The simplicity of the dual-event mechanism on this specimen makes it an excellent educational example for collectors learning to identify and understand counter clash formation. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

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